Suspected kidnapper arrested in Angels Camp

A Washington man was arrested Wednesday after allegedly kidnapping two children, running through traffic and scuffling with Angels Camp Police officers.

Solomon Fleming, 24, of Tacoma, was booked into the Calaveras County Jailon suspicion of kidnapping, mayhem, resisting a peace officer, battery on a peace officer with serious injury and child endangerment, according to the Angels Camp Police report.

The event leading up to his arrest started about 12:30 p.m. with reports from passing motorists.

Fleming was accompanied by two small children on South Main Street in downtown Angels Camp, ranting about demons and walking in the road, according to the report.

Witnesses saw him swinging his arms at passing motorists. One said Fleming hit his car and broke the side-view mirror, the report said.

One Angels Camp officer was assisted by two Calaveras County Sheriff’s deputies. They found the man standing in the road with the two children, according to the report.

Fleming picked up one child and ran south on Main Street into a traffic lane.

At Park Avenue, Fleming jumped down an embankment with the child, the report said.

Officers caught Fleming and removed the child from his grasp. He seriously injured an officer when he repeatedly struck him in the face, the report said.

Other officers arrived and Fleming snatched one’s pepper spray during the scuffle. Two deputies and a police officer were injured before officers were able to restrain him, the report said.

The children, ages unknown, were unharmed and returned to their respective mothers.

The injured Angels Camp police officer was transported by ambulance to Mark Twain Medical Center. He was treated and released later the same day. The two deputies sustained minor injuries and were treated on scene, according to the report.

Fleming was transported for a medical clearance prior to booking.

Angels Camp police said the children were known by Fleming but it was uncertain whether they were related. The Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office is assisting with the investigation into Fleming’s actions.